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Communicative packaging for refrigerated products: quality-based logistics for perishables.

Author(s) : KREFT F. I., SCHEER F. P., WIENK I. M.

Summary

This article focusses on the role of communicative packaging in the optimisation of the supply chain of perishable products. Perishable products are sensitive to ambient conditions such as temperature and are characterised by their limited shelf life. This results in a complex production and distribution chain. Three levels of communicative packaging are defined: defensive, preventive and pro-active. The defensive communicative packaging provides information on the chain ambient conditions à posteriori. With this strategy, it is possible to check how the product has been handled and thus facilitate eventual recall actions or liability issues. The technology used is based on dataloggers or similar devices. The preventive communicative packaging aims at gaining insight into the supply chain conditions and to monitor de product quality throughout the chain. Based on this information, the chain can be re-designed in order to minimise product waste, optimise quality, minimise energy consumption and minimise chain costs. Finally, the main objective of a pro-active communicative packaging is to facilitate current information on the product quality status while the product progresses through the chain. The information is directly available in order to apply Quality-based logistics. It requires high technology and a complex IT infrastructure in order to process large amounts of data, subsequently translate these to useful information and make it available on-line to several participants in the chain. Quality-based logistics can lead to less product shrinkage caused by products being no longer acceptable or expired ’Best Before’ dates (product is thrown away; is wasted); an increase in profit is therefore possible. In addition, costs are reduced and sustainability is increased since energy consumption and costs deployed to produce, transport and store products which could not be sold are reduced.

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  • Original title: Communicative packaging for refrigerated products: quality-based logistics for perishables.
  • Record ID : 30028253
  • Languages: English
  • Source: EUROFREEZE: Individual Quick Freezing of Foods - Workshop Proceedings, Sofia, Bulgaria, January 13-15, 2005.
  • Publication date: 2005/01

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